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Stardock announces Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, 'free to play' dev tools for Impulse SDK
Stardock announced a new Sins of a Solar Empire expansion today, subtitled Rebellion. In a separate press release, the company revealed a major update to its game development platform, Impulse Reactor, which will allow developers to implement "free to play" gaming through the Impulse digital distribution network. The Impulse Reactor update is expected to go live this month and will add features to the SDK enabling "free to play" elements for games running on the Impulse platform. If you're one of the millions of players that has dropped coin on Riot Games' League of Legends or Turbine's DDO or Lord of the Rings Online, you've probably got a good idea of the potential here. As for Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, it's described as a "full-fledged expansion" of the 4X RTS space series -- not a sequel. Brian Clair, director of publishing for Stardock, told us that, like the original, Rebellion will not feature a single-player campaign, but will build upon the gameplay introduced in the original Sins and its micro-expansions. Given the timing of the Rebellion announcement alongside news of the upcoming "free to play" options added to Impulse Reactor, we asked if this next Sins would be a free-to-play title. "Definitely not," Clair said, though pricing has not been set. Rebellion will support achievements, multiplayer leagues and other features. Speaking to concerns voiced by players that don't have the hours to set aside for a standstard multiplayer match in Sins, Clair said, "We're going to continue looking at ways to address that for folks who want to get a game in under an hour." Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion is expected to be released in late 2011; however a Stardock representative told us the company is taking the "done when it's done" approach to development.
Impulse holding El Presidente's Day weekend sale
Sure, officially, Impulse is holding a President's Day sale this weekend, featuring some of your favorite strategy and sim titles, but an "El Presidente Day" sale sounds so much more exotic. The highlight of the sale, particularly to anyone who doesn't think democracy is the only way to rule, is the banana republic simulator, Tropico 3, for half-off at $7.50. For those who cling to democracy and letting the unwashed masses have a voice, The Political Machine 2008 is only $3 and Democracy 2 is $11.50. However, if that whole "government" thing sounds messy, and you believe the only reign worth having is one in which you can declare full-scale war, Command and Conquer 4 and Tom Clancy's EndWar are $10 apiece.
Impulse marks Mass Effect down to five bucks today
You know, we're starting to think Impulse is the most aptly named digital distribution platform of all time. For instance, we already own Mass Effect on 360 -- but since Impulse's store has the PC version for five dollars today, we might just spontaneously, recklessly purchase a second copy.
Stardock's Brad Wardell hopeful for recovery after Elemental shakeup
Our sister site Big Download cornered Stardock CEO Brad Wardell to talk about the troubled title Elemental; War of Magic and the future of the company. Things are apparently looking better than they did after a "disastrous" launch: most employees are back to work, either at Stardock or elsewhere. But Wardell also says that Stardock is doing so much work on the title that by the second quarter of this year, it will "cross the line from being profitable to having lost money." Wardell expects to lose money on the game just to try and save Stardock's name on quality. Wardell also said that the company is not done restructuring -- it recently hired both game designer Jon Shafer and writer Dave Stern, and Wardell plans to step away from lead development and move to a more executive role. Wardell remains mum on any future titles, but said that the company's Impulse digital distribution service doubled in third-party revenue in 2010, and expects "even greater growth" and increased staffing throughout 2011. If everything Wardell hopes comes to pass, the Elemental launch may have been the best worst thing to ever happen to his company.
Inhabitat's Week in Green: street-legal Tron lightcycles, electronic eyeglasses, and the American Solar Challenge
Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us. This week Inhabitat saw solar-powered vehicles blaze trails around the globe as the University of Michigan's sleek pod car crossed the finish line to win the American Solar Challenge. We also watched the Solar Impulse gear up for its first eagerly anticipated night flight -- a pivotal undertaking as the sun-powered plane prepares to circle the earth. In other clean transportation news, and we were stunned to see a set of street-legal electric Tron lightcycles pop up on eBay. The field of renewable energy also heated up this week as researchers revealed an innovative tri-layered solar panel that's capable of catching the full spectrum of the sun's rays. Wind power made waves as well as Principle Power unveiled a new ultra-sturdy ocean platform that's able to support the world's tallest wind turbines. Finally, we saw the light this week as Illumitex unveiled the world's first square LED bulb, which they claim is cheaper, more efficient and more practical than typical round bulbs. We also peered at an innovative new type of electronic eyeglasses that can change your prescription with the push of a button. And for all you shutterbugs looking to share your vision with the world, you won't want to miss this handy solar camera strap that ensures you'll never miss a shot.
Impulse drops prices for the Fourth of July
Not to be outdone by Steam and its dangerously generous sale this week (you do own Torchlight by now, right?), Impluse is running its own 4th of July sale, with 68 different downloadable PC games given prices set to move, some even better than Steam. If you want some quality RTS action, the Company of Heroes pack is a great deal at $29.99, Command and Conquer 4 is $24.99 and the Sins of a Solar Empire expansions are $5 off. Not quite as much variety as the Steam sale, but what's there is well-priced. PC gamers, you have no excuse to bother with any of the "going outside" or fireworks this July 4th weekend -- not when there are all these great cheap games to play!
Elemental: War of Magic slated for August 24
It seems like just last Friday we were showing you new screens and video from Stardock's latest PC strategy title, Elemental: War of Magic -- we were -- and today we're able to tell you that the game, which had originally been scheduled for February 2010, will launch on August 24. Elemental will be available at retail, as well as via Stardock's own Impulse service, for $49.99. Hey, you even get to choose your purchasing strategy ... how about that? %Gallery-94332%
Sins of a Solar Empire for $4; Mass Effect and Dragon Age bundles part of Impulse sale
Impulse's Memorial Day sale this weekend has Sins of a Solar Empire at the heavenly price of $4. Go buy it now -- full stop. Whatever nit-picky issues the 4X strategy title may have can be thrown out an airlock at that price point. It may lack a single-player campaign to teach the ropes of glorious galactic armada warfare, but setting up a medium-sized map using normal AI is a good place to start. Which reminds us: Gratuitous Space Battles is also on sale. Impulse also has a more mainstream space opera experience on sale with the first two chapters in the Mass Effect saga bundled for $42. Want something not involving spaceships? There's a Dragon Age: Origins bundle, which includes the original game and Awakening, for $48 -- that'll definitely keep you busy all weekend. Check out the rest of the Impulse weekend sales after the break. %Gallery-15134%
Mass Effect 2, Mirror's Edge highlight weekend Impulse sale
Impulse purchasing may be in the stars this weekend if you're a PC gamer without Mass Effect 2 yet -- seriously, what are you waiting for? This weekend, Impulse has the regular and "digital deluxe" edition of Commander Shepard's suicide mission for $30 and $40, respectively. That's $20 off the regular price. Other deals include indie darling World of Goo and the experimental Mirror's Edge for $10. The full list of discounted games is after the break.
PC Street Fighter IV only $20 from Impulse, GFW On Demand
Following last week's killer deal on Batman: Arkham Asylum, Games for Windows on Demand continues its series of game sales with Street Fighter IV. Right now, the service is offering Capcom's fighter for 50 percent off, knocking the price down to a palatable $19.99. Or, if you prefer, Impulse is also offering it for the same price. Of course, it's worth noting that Super Street Fighter IV will be released in just a month, so you might just skip the whole thing and wait for a couple of weeks. Unless, of course, the allure of "a nifty little special set of things" is just too much to resist. Source - Games on Demand Spring Sale Source - Street Fighter IV on Impulse [Via 1UP]
Total Annihilation strategically (and exclusively) moving to Impulse
Stardock has announced that Total Annihilation, Chris Taylor's classic RTS, has arrived on its Impulse digital distribution platform. 10 bucks nets buyers the Impulse client-based version of TA, replete with the game's Core Contingency expansion and modernized multiplayer support. Stardock head Brad Wardell notes his love for the RTS in the release announcement, even going as far as saying, "Total Annihilation is personally one of my all-time favorite games." Additionally, while the game is currently claimed to be "exclusive" to Impulse, we have to imagine such a critically acclaimed PC title will end up on those other digital distribution platforms at some point in the future. Until that happens, you can pick up the game right here.
Impulse halving price on Trine, Gratuitous Space Battles this weekend
Between all of January's blockbuster releases, we're guessing you're already up to your neck in gaming opportunities this weekend. However, if you're looking to add a bit more slag to the top of the pile, digital retailer Impulse has cut the price of a few PC games for this weekend only. Until tomorrow, you can pick up fantasy-platformer Trine for $9.99, or the self-explanatory Gratuitous Space Battles for $11.49. There's a few other discounts currently running as well -- go check out Impulse for more delicious bargains.
Braid, other PC titles on sale this weekend on Impulse
This weekend the Impulse digital delivery store has a handful of games on sale including the critical and commercial darling Braid. Knocking 50% off each title, the sale also includes Sins of a Solar Empire from publisher Stardock -- also known as the guys and gals behind the Impulse service. Have a few extra dollars left over from the holiday season? Here's what you can get with that extra coin: Alganon -- $21.69 King's Bounty: Armored Princes -- $27.73 Sins of a Solar Empire -- $18.47 World War 2: Time of Wrath -- $22.82 Majesty 2: The Fantasy Kingdom Sim -- $16.30 King's Bounty: The Legend -- $16.30 Braid -- $5.42 Supreme Commander: Gold Edition -- $16.30
Impulse adds The Saboteur and more to online store
Look, we know you've been waiting with bated breath for all those Hearts of Iron 3 content packs to arrive on Impulse, so we were glad to tell you that they've finally arrived. Sure, so did The Saboteur and X-COM, but we know you're not concerned. We suppose it's possible you'll tire yourself out with the new Hears of Iron 3 content to the point that you'll need a break, so we should probably point out that a mess of other games made it onto Stardock's digital distribution platform this week. Being the good friends we are, we've dropped the whole list just after the break, just for you!
Alganon expands to Impulse distribution
Alganon isn't necessarily the darling of the MMO world at the moment, with a large number of people drawing conclusions about it before even setting foot in the game. So, really, more or less par for the course. But it has launched, it's developing its content, and it's clearly making moves to get itself noticed as something new and good. And if recent moves are any indications, one of the best ways to get yourself noticed is expanding on to the much-beloved digital distribution sources. The game has just been made available on the Impulse service, run by Stardock. Those of you with acute memories may recall that it wasn't so long ago that Alganon had an exclusive setup with Direct2Drive. However, expansion is always a good thing, especially for a smaller studio looking to improve their visibility. There's no word on any exclusive giveaways a la the plethora of Fallen Earth bonuses for different services, but that's all right -- it's good enough to know that if you have a want for the game, there are more ways to go about getting it.
Sins of a Solar Empire 'Trinity' set coming
Stardock has announced that an all-inclusive collection featuring its fab Windows-based 4X strategy title Sins of a Solar Empire, its first expansion, Entrenchment and the upcoming Diplomacy expansion will release on February 9 for $39.99. In addition to availability on Stardock's own Impulse digital distribution service, the set will make its way onto shelves across the US in something called a "box." Anyone who pre-orders Sins of a Solar Empire - Trinity via Impulse will get instant access to the beta version of the Diplomacy expansion, which seems like a good strategy to us.
Fallen Earth arrives on Impulse, offers more exclusive attire
If you play Fallen Earth and are resolutely dedicated to having as many unique pieces of clothing as possible for your character, you probably already have a couple extra copies from your need for faction-centric t-shirts and a really awesome hat. Add another one on to your list as the game moves on to the Impulse digital distribution store, offering two exclusive items for purchase: the Fancy White Boots and the Snazzy White Hat. It's unlikely that you'd purchase the game again just for a pair of boots and a hat, of course, but for new players these both promise to be quite the enticement. The boots are the more durable of the two, offering 31 primary armor, 20 secondary, and 10 tertiary, as well as a 3% bonus on all saving throws. The hat, on the flip side, offers about half of the armor and a bonus to the Scavenging, Nature, and Geology skills, excellent boosts for any new character. The game's array of extra items are all offering roughly the same overall bonus, but they give reason to pay attention as it spreads to different distribution methods, not to mention keeping the game fresh in people's mind. So if you haven't given Fallen Earth a try yet, perhaps the promise of some fancy white dancing shoes with matching hat will get you moving.
Stardock: Steam is top digital distribution earner, Impulse second
Stardock isn't a publicly traded company, though it strives to be as open as possible about its business. This is where the annual Stardock Customer Report (PDF link) comes in, an annual assessment of the company's financial situation. Stardock, a publisher of games such as Sins of a Solar Empire, is also behind digital distribution service Impulse, which boss Brad Wardell says is the second only to Valve's Steam platform in terms of revenue generation. "Our estimation is that Steam - as the current market leader - enjoys approximately 70 percent of the overall digital distribution market with Impulse at 10 percent and all others combined at 20 percent in terms of actual dollars generated per month," Wardell explains. As Wardell estimates, 25 percent of PC platform sales will come from digital distribution channels during 2009's calendar year, so we're talking billions of dollars here. "Steam and Impulse both have the advantage of exclusive content (Left 4 Dead, Half-Life, Sins of a Solar Empire, Demigod, etc.)," he adds, but explains that Valve's strides in getting major publishers to sign on for Steamworks as a DRM solution (Dawn of War II, Modern Warfare 2) effectively nullifies those games' chances of appearing on Impulse. This is a big area where Impulse is missing out and even though it offers its own alternative -- Impulse Reactor -- the company already missed the boat on its share of the big, fat money-filled pie. [Via Gamasutra] Source - Stardock Customer Report 2009 (PDF)
Steam estimated at selling to 70% of PC market
Where did you buy your last MMO and where will you buy your next? Chances are you'll be getting it on Steam or so the story goes according to Brad Wardell, head honcho over at Stardock. We're inclined to agree with his assertion that Valve's digital distribution platform holds roughly 70% of the PC market as many of us here at Massively have been buying our MMOs -- and PC games in general -- on the service for some time now. So is it a good thing or a bad thing for MMO players? Our experience with purchasing games like Aion and Champions Online through the service has been positive, and so long as no complications arise via patches or other client issues we see no reason to stop utilizing the service unless better offers appear. The only real MMO-related issue we can see is with collector's editions. Some games offer a different set of bonus material for people who opt out of the physical copy and go for the digital, but certain items like art books, mouse pads and other bric-a-brac can't be delivered through a wire... at least, not until sometime in the far flung future. Now, as far as the Steamworks integration issue goes... Well, that's a whole other sack of fishes.
Modern Warfare 2 refused by digital distribution retailers; Steamworks to blame
PC gamers aren't the only ones angry about the way Modern Warfare 2 is shaping up. PC retailers, starting with IGN's Direct2Drive download service, have made the bold move to leave piles of money on the table by refusing to sell it. It's not in protest of the dedicated server issue or the multiplayer cap, but rather the fact that the game relies on Steamworks for updates, saving and Achievements; and Direct2Drive isn't thrilled about selling a game that requires the bundling of a competitor's product. "At Direct2Drive," the statement on what would be the Modern Warfare 2 product page reads, "we believe strongly that when you buy a game from us, you shouldn't be forced to install and run a 3rd party software client to be able to play the game you purchased." The site offers an Amazon link to purchase the game, and a $5 coupon for other Activision titles on Direct2Drive. Impulse and GamersGate won't be offering the Modern Warfare 2 either. Impulse tells VE3D that "the most obvious issue is the forced inclusion of a competitor's store that blocks us from carrying the game." [Via Gamasutra]
